12 min.
composed by Couperin
“La Sultane” means a princess in the Islamic world, however, it is not clear what princess Couperin imagined. It was originally written for two dessuses, two violes and bass-continuo. Maybe the bass-continuo part was played by Couperin using a cembalo in the royal palace concerts. It consists of four moements; I. Gravement, II. Gayment, III. Air: Tendrement, IV. Legerement-Vicement. It is beautiful with grief and spiritualization, and a representative work of instrumental music by Couperin.
I. Gravement
II. Gayment
III. Tendrement
IV. Legerement/Vicement
Score & part notes
- String Quartet (2 Violins, 2 Viola & Violoncello)
- Wood Quartet (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet & Bassoon)
- Clarinet Quartet (3 Clarinet & Bass Clarinet)